O6 Center of Mass Optimization

Title

The position and trajectory of the center of mass (CM) determine the overall behavior of the athlete as a mechanical system. Optimizing the CM means controlling its height, speed and trajectory to maximize performance in each sporting task. In long jump, the angle and height of the CM at takeoff determine the reach. In high jump, the athlete can cross the bar while the CM passes under it (Fosbury effect): the body arches around the CM which is lower than the bar. In running, keeping the vertical oscillation of the CM small (~4 cm) reduces gravitational work. When changing direction, lowering the CM reduces the effective moment of inertia for turning. The inclination of the CM (lean) in curves balances the centrifugal force. In gymnastics, controlling the CM with millimeter precision is essential to execute the apparatus outputs. The running inverted pendulum model and the running spring-mass model have the CM as the fundamental state of the system.

ID:251